Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month national theme is:
Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.
(https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/)
Learn more:
- HispanicHeritageMonth.gov
- Origins & Facts from the History Channel
- Key facts about U.S. Latinos
Celebrate locally:
Hispanic Heritage Month events in Connecticut
WPKN’s Hispanic Heritage Month Film Series at the Bijou Theater: September 21, September 28, October 2, & October 12
WPKN’s THIS IS US – A celebration of Hispanic American Musicians at the Bijou Theater: Friday, September 23
Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating Diversity
CTLatino New.com – The Online news source of Connecticut’s Latinos
More Events throughout Connecticut
Play, Watch, Listen, Read:
- 8 Ways to Celebrate National Hispanic Month with Kids
- 10 Great Latinx Films To Watch To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
- Listen to a podcast – Hispanic Heritage Month: Advancing la Cultura
- National Women’s History Museum celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
- 66 New Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from Goodreads
Stratford Library suggested reading:
 Children’s non-fiction |
